Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019

The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. will start accepting applications for fuel assistance beginning Nov. 1.

Funding is available to help pay a portion of winter heating bills for income-eligible households in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Reading and North Reading.

Residents are encouraged to apply even if they work, live in subsidized housing, or if utilities are covered through rent.

“This program not only helps families with the rising cost of heat during our cold New England winters, but helps them stay safe and healthy,’’ said Evelyn Friedman, executive director of GLCAC, which administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program locally. “Many families on limited incomes are forced to choose between keeping their homes warm or paying for food and health care.’’

In 2018, 8,963 households received fuel assistance through GLCAC to defray home heating costs, a 10 percent increase over the previous year.

Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1 through April 30, 2020.

New applicants must apply in person at GLCAC’s LIHEAP office. Appointments can be made now by calling (978) 681-4950 or by using the online scheduling system at www.glcac.org under the LIHEAP program. Home visits are available to homebound handicapped and elderly new applicants. 

Previous LIHEAP applicants will receive an application and instructions in the mail; no appointment is necessary.

GLCAC is a multi-faceted social services agency that assisted 32,648 individuals in 2018 through a range of programs including early childhood education, fuel assistance, WIC nutrition assistance, immigration services, lead poisoning prevention, child abuse prevention, English-language lessons, and consumer protection.